North Macedonia - May 2026

On 18 May, hundreds gathered in Skopje to demand that the bar exam be offered in Albanian, continuing protests that began in April with ethnic Albanian law students. They have since broadened in support. Protesters said protests would continue, framing the issue as one of institutional discrimination. Students argue that the Law on the Use of Languages entitles them to take the exam in Albanian, noting it assesses professional rather than linguistic knowledge and that their studies were conducted in Albanian. The Ministry of Justice disputes this, maintaining that the legal framework does not allow it and that current practice is compliant. The Language Inspectorate has issued a warning to the Ministry, and the Ombudsperson has proposed amendments, leaving the issue legally contested. Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski said the government is working on a solution in line with Venice Commission recommendations. Media reported that some protesters faced arrests, along with obstacles and stops on their way to the protest.

Sources: Portalb (1), Portalb (2), Portalb (3), Portalb (4), Deutsche Welle